Northmen girls' soccer team gets back on winning track

Coming off a hard-luck tie earlier this week to Traverse City Central, the Petoskey girls' soccer team was looking to get back on track Thursday on their home field.

Mission accomplished.

The Northmen scored two first half goals and tacked on another in the second half en route to shutting out Gaylord, 3-0, at the Click Road Soccer Complex.

With the win, the Northmen improve to 4-1-1 overall, 2-0-1 league. The Northmen travel to Charlevoix today, Friday, for a non-league gave against the Division IV No. 10 ranked Rayders.

"This was one of the best games we've played so far this season," Petoskey coach Scott Batchelor said. "We were able to possess the ball and we had some good finishes.

"Every win in the conference is big and Gaylord is one of the top teams," added Batchelor. "We need to keep improving and our next game against Charlevoix will be a good test for us."

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Gina Gero scored the game's first goal six minutes in on a feed in front from Gabbi Vandenbrink. Later in the half, the Northmen made it 2-0 as Vandenbrink scored on a crossing pass from Haley Shaw.

"It was huge to get those two goals early to give us the momentum," Batchelor said.

Just two minutes into the second half, Petoskey's lead grew to 3-0 as Kelly Robbins scored off a feed from Shaw.

"With the three goal led, we lost a little intensity and didn't possess the ball like we did the first half," Batchelor said.

Holly Laser returned to action after missing the last three games to injury.

"It was nice to have Holly Laser back," Batchelor said. "She makes a lot of things happen for us."

Morgan Murphy earned the shutout in goal for the Northmen, while Batchelor lauded the defensive efforts of Ellen Howard and Rachel Gutowski.

"Ellen (Howard) did a good job shuttng down their best offensive player and Rachel (Gutowski) at sweeper cleaned every thing up in the back and was instrumental in starting our attack out of the back."

Lashley Schulingkamp, Meagan Ling and Bernadette LeBlanc were credited with strong games at midfield.

Gaylord won the JV game, 1-0, as they scored the game winning goal on a penalty kick.

For Petoskey, 5-1, Kate Johnson was credited for a strong effort in goal.

Charlevoix 8, Boyne City 0

CHARLEVOIX - Madison Way scored the game's first two goals, while Olivia Catt added two goals herself as the Rayders improve to 6-0-1 overall, 6-0 league with a Lake Michigan Conference victory Thursday.

Also for the Rayders, ranked No. 10 in the Division IV state coaches poll, Bobbie Moelter, Hallie Bills, KC McCary and freshman Kelly Greyerbiehl each added a goal.

Greyerbiehl, who was named the Rayders player of the game, scored her first career varsity goal.

Taylor Smith and McCary each had two assists, while Meridith Rich also had two assists and Caroline Dupuis added an assist.

Tammy Potter earned the shutout in goal.

"Our defense did a great job of keeping Boyne City from having many scoring chances," Charlevoix coach Carol Madison said.

Harbor Springs 4, Grayling 0

HARBOR SPRINGS - Haley Kloss scored two goals and added an assist, while Kristen Koehler had a goal and assist and Emily Ford added one goal for the Rams, 3-3-1 overall, 3-3 league.

Also for Harbor Springs, Cooper Dendel finished with two assists, while Alley Bartosh earned the shutout in goal.

Elk Rapids 8, East Jordan 0

EAST JORDAN - Elk Rapids scored five second half goals en route to downing East Jordan Thursday in a Lake Michigan Conference contest.

For the Elks, Olivia Morrison had four goals, while Elin Larsen, Nina Barraco, Maggie Marshall and Lexi Small each added one goal.

"Elk Rapids was the strongest team we have played so far this year," East Jordan coach Peter Elliott said. "The move the ball well and put power on all their shots. Their team was active, always moving and creating space and opportunity."

For the Red Devils, 0-7 overall, 0-5 league, Maribeth Poindexter was in goal and turned aside 37 shots. Also for the Red Devils, Whitney Kraemer and Sheneya Argetsinger were credited with strong efforts along with HeeSun Cha.

"Elk Rapids exploited one of our weaknesses, but that will help the ladies understand more about the attack and how to defend," Elliott said.